Information about cultivars behavior obtained from only one local and year may not be enough for a cultivar recommendation due to the genotype x environment interaction occurrence. Then, cultivars indication based on stability and repeatability is more consistent because it enables previewing theirs performance under many environments. This work studied the adaptability and repeatability of dry matter production of seven sorghum cultivars to be used as silage. Data came from two sites (Coronel Pacheco and Lavras, Minas Gerais) and were […]

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of leaf age and insertion level and season of growth on the tissue proportion and the cell wall thickness of leaf blade and stem segment of signalgrass (Brachiaria decumbens), molassesgrass (Melinis minutiflora) and Tifton 85 bermudagrass (Cynodon sp). Leaf blades from bottom and top layers were sampled on the day of ligule exposure and 20 days later. The relative proportion of epidermis, xylem, phloem, parenchyma bundle sheath, sclerenchyma, stem parenchyma and […]

A trial was carried out to evaluate the change in digestion of tropical grasses leaf and stem tissues with age. The grasses were signalgrass (Brachiaria decumbens), molassesgrass (Melinis minutiflora) and Tifton 85 bermudagrass (Cynodon sp). The 7th leaf of signalgrass and molassesgrass and the 11th leaf of bermudagrass were sampled by the time of their complete expansion (ligule exposure) and 20 days later. Segment of stem just below the sampled leaf was also sampled. Transversal sections of leaf and stem […]

The objectives of this research were to identify the nitrogen level that promotes the highest animal production per ha and to test the possible effect on the individual animal performance on triticale and ryegrass pasture. The sowing occurred on April 21 of 1997, later on subjected to the following treatments: 0, 150, 300 and 450 kg/ha of nitrogen divided in five applications. Nellore, Charolais heifers and their crosses, with initial average weight of 154 kg were used. The grazing period […]

In the Nellore Breed Genetic Improvement Program (PMGRN) the breeding value predictions of five different traits are put together in a single number named Total Genetic Merit (MGT). This number is calculated from the Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) of: weight at 120 days of age – maternal; weight at 120, 365 and 450 days of age direct; and scrotal circumference at 365 and 450 days of age direct. The aim of this study was to identify and to describe the […]

Official Holstein cow performance data in Brazil, based on monthly milk weights, is calculated using the correction factors proposed by Everett & Carter (1968) to estimate the partial production from calving to the first daily control in a given lactation. The adequacy of these factors was evaluated using 262 lactations from two herds with daily control of milk production per cow. Data were divided into classes based on age at calving (CIP): CIP 1 (up to 3 years), CIP 2 […]

An experiment was carried out to evaluate testicular and body growth, peripheral concentrations of testosterone (T) and carcass parameters, from 10 to 30 months of age, in Nelore bulls (n=27). Between 11 and 21 months, animals were treated with GnRH and blood samples taken 0, 1.5 and 3.0 hours afterwards. Animals were slaughtered at 30 months. Body weight (BW) varied from 195.2 ± 3.8 kg to 439.1 ± 8.1 kg between 10 and 30 months of age and the ratio […]

The effect of prostaglandin (PGF2a) vs CIDR and eCG (equine chorionic gonadotrophin) on follicular dynamic of wave 1 and its relation with P4 and E2 plasma concentrations were investigated in cyclic ewes. Fourteen Bergamascia ewes were used, Group 1 (G1) synchronized by two i.m. injections of PGF2a

The aim of this research work was to evaluate the effect of the halothane gene on the quality characteristics of pork. Commercial hybrid pork carcasses (151) were used for the trial, 93 with normal halothane genotype (HalNN), 51 heterozygous genotype (HalNn) and 7 homozigous recessive genotype (Halnn). The measured attributes were carcass weight, muscle temperature at 45 minutes and pH at 45 minutes and 24 hours after the slaughter at the Longissimus dorsi muscle and color. Identification of the halothane […]

A performance trial was carried out to evaluate sugar cane yeast, (Saccharomyces spp.) dried by spray-dryer (SCYSD), on growing-finishing pigs feeding. Thirty-two crossbreed growing pigs, half of each sex, with an average initial live weight of 26.1 kg. The piglets were fed ad libitum, with diets at increasing levels (0, 7, 14 and 21%) of SCYSD. A randomized blocks experimental design was used, and four levels of inclusion and four replications, with two-pigs/experimental unit. Inclusion of SCYSD in the growth […]